The Primordial Emotions

The Dawning of Consciousness

Derek Denton

A highly original new theory on the origins of consciousness, laid out here for the first time

Written by a world-renowned physiologist in an accessible and lively style, and reporting fascinating studies of animal behaviour

Situates the new theory within our current knowledge of consciousness, drawing from neuroscience and philosophy

The Primordial Emotions

The Dawning of Consciousness

Derek Denton

Description

This book presents an accessible and groundbreaking new look at the evolution of consciousness. It traces its origins back to early man's primordial emotions--those elicited from basic needs such as hunger and thirst.

The Primordial Emotions

The Dawning of Consciousness

Derek Denton

Table of Contents

Part I - The Hypothesis 1. Introduction: the idea and context2. The definition of consciousness and self-awareness3. What some distinguished scientists have proposed on the nature of consciousness: John Searle, Homer Smith, Vernon Mountcastle and Roger Sperry4. Consciousness in animals5. The appetite for salt and the mind - intention in salt mining elephantsPart II - Experimental Analysis 6. The phylogenetic tree7. An interoceptor driven theory of origin of primary consciousness8. The physiology of the primordial emotion of thirst9. The neuroimaging of thirst by PET (Positron Emission Tomography)10. Neuroimaging of other primordial emotions and also the second level distance receptor evoked emotionsPartIII - Higher Cognition and Emotion 11. Anatomical structure and physiological functions subserving higher order consciousness12. The biology of emotion

The Primordial Emotions

The Dawning of Consciousness

Derek Denton

Author Information

Derek Denton is the world authority on instinctive behaviour regulating apt intake of water and minerals - particularly salt. He was Founding Director of the Howard Florey Institute of Experimental Physiology and Medicine at Melbourne University. His discoveries have been recognized by election to the National Academies of Science of France, Sweden, the United States and Australia and also the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Royal Society (London). He was First Vice President of the International Union of Physiological Sciences and was a member of the Lasker Jury for 12 years. His previous books include 'The Hunger for Salt', described by Emeritus Professor John Pappenheimer of Harvard as 'the best example of integrative physiology to come out of the second half of the 20th century' and 'The PInnacle of Life', written for a general audience, and published by Flammarion (Paris), Harper Collins (USA), and Allen & Unwin (Australia).